This year’s JCEP and ESP awards showcase the dedication, innovation, and leadership of Community Development professionals who continue to elevate Extension’s impact across Ohio and beyond. Their work strengthens local economies, supports resilient communities, and expands opportunities for learning and growth. We are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of colleagues whose contributions reflect the highest standards of service and excellence.
Early-Career Service Recognition is awarded to Extension professionals with less than 10 years of service.
The 2025 Winner is Gwynn Stewart
Gwynn joined Extension in 2018 as a Noble County Community Development Educator. She also serves as the economic development director earning the Ohio Economic Development Institute’s Ohio certified professional honor in 2025. She has presented at state, regional, national and international conferences, is an author of an Extension bulletin, 18 fact sheets, and 3 online curriculums. Her research is on coal-impact and entrepreneurship. She adopted Purdue’s Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing curriculum growing the Ohio teaching team. Stewart supports communities with grant writing/administration securing nearly $30 million in grants.
She is Vice-Chair of the National Extension Tourism Design Team, Chair of NACDEP’s Communications and the Ohio State Extension BRE State Team and is a member of ESP’s Professional Development and Ohio JCEP Marketing Committees. She earned the Award for Inspired Community Engagement. Congratulations, Gwynn.
Team Teaching Awards
- One Program Area, All Extension Members
- 2nd Place: Ohio 4-H Volunteer Management In-Service Program, Kate Wells
- Extension and non-Extension Collaborators
- 1st Place: A Day in the Woods 2nd Friday Series, Jessica Burn
- 1st Place: A Day in the Woods 2nd Friday Series, Jessica Burn
Creative Works Awards
- Feature Photo
- 2nd Place: Jean Anne Myers, Jessica Burns
- HM: Zoie Clay
- Program/Event Press Release
- HM: Gwynn Stewart
- Follow-up News Story/Press Release
- 1st Place: Meghan Thoreau of Pickaway County is the winner for her article “Introduction to the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.”
- 2nd Place: Kate Wells & Jennifer Eggleton
- 1st Place: Meghan Thoreau of Pickaway County is the winner for her article “Introduction to the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.”
- Personal Column
- 3rd Place: Jessica Burns
- Exhibit/Display
- 3rd Place: Trevor Corboy, Christie Welch, Nicole Wright
- Promotional Flyer
- HM: Jennifer Eggleton
- Promotional Package – Individual
- 1st Place: Meghan Thoreau with the “Westfall Drone Club FAA Part 107 Certification Program”.
- 1st Place: Meghan Thoreau with the “Westfall Drone Club FAA Part 107 Certification Program”.
- Curriculum Package
- 1st Place: Kate Wells with their “Ohio 4-H Volunteer Competency Curriculum.”
- Fact Sheet
- 1st Place: Scott Hardy with “About the Spotted Lanternfly.”
- HM: Gwynn Stewart & Kyle White
- 1st Place: Scott Hardy with “About the Spotted Lanternfly.”
- Bulletins or Educational Guides
- 3rd Place: Kate Wells
- Project Books
- 2nd Place: Jill Bartolotta, Beth Bollas (posthumous)
- HM: Brian Raison
- Website
- HM: Abigail Comar
- Blog
- 1st Place: Meghan Thoreau for “Elementary STEM Club Blog.”
- 1st Place: Meghan Thoreau for “Elementary STEM Club Blog.”
Special Chapter Awards
- The Retiree Service Award is designed to recognize continuing contributions and outstanding service by retired Extension professionals. This year, we honor Edwin “Mike” Lloyd. Mike is a retired Assistant Professor of Community Development
Excellence Awards
- The Raymond A. Schindler Excellence in Community Development Award.
- Ken Martin is the winner of this award.
- Ken Martin is the winner of this award.